A naming ceremony is a special occasion when the family and friends gather together to celebrate the birth of a loved one and a time when all people involved in the life of the child declare their support for the parents and the child and undertake special commitments to the future wellbeing of the child.

Emphasis is placed on the role of the parents and God parents or Guardians.

The ceremony conducted by a Civil Celebrant is not a religious christening or baptism.

Civil ceremonies for name giving are becoming more popular alternatives to the religious christening or baptism. Many parents feel that the decision as to what religious beliefs their child or children will adopt should be something for them to choose for themselves when old enough to make an informed and considered decision.

The location for the holding of the naming ceremony can be wherever the parents choose - their home or garden, a friend's home, a park or the beach, etc.

A naming ceremony can be held immediately following the wedding of the parents. I have done this on a number of occasions.

The naming ceremony can also be conducted following the wedding of parents each of whom have children from a previous marriage or relationship. This ceremony would allow the family to acknowledge the combining of two separate families into a new united one. All parties acknowledge the new partners and their children becoming part of a new family unit.

All ceremonies are prepared and carried out in a fully professional manner in accordance with the wishes of the people involved and the Code of Practice of the Attorney-General's Department.